How to Say Second Form in Japanese

Gaining proficiency in verb conjugation is essential when learning a new language, and Japanese is no exception. In Japanese, verbs change their form based on various factors, such as tense, politeness level, and formality. The “second form” refers to the imperative or command form of a verb, which is used to give orders, instructions, or make requests.

Formal Second Form

In formal Japanese, the second form is called the “masu stem” or “teineigo,” meaning polite language. To form the second form, you first need to identify the verb stem, which is the -masu form of the verb minus the -masu ending. Then, you replace -masu with -te form to create the imperative form.

Let’s take the example of the verb “tabemasu,” meaning “to eat”:

Verb: Tabemasu (to eat)

Verb Stem: Tabe-

Second Form: Tabe-te (Eat! – polite)

Here are some examples of the formal second form in action:

• Tabe-te kudasai. (Please eat.)
• Tabe-te mo ii desu ka? (Is it okay to eat?)
• Tabe-te wa ikemasen. (You must not eat.)

Informal Second Form

In informal Japanese, the second form is called the “dictionary form” or “teineigo,” meaning plain or casual language. This form is used among friends, family members, or in informal settings.

The formation of the informal second form is relatively straightforward. You only need to drop the -masu ending from the -masu form of the verb:

Let’s continue with the verb “tabemasu”:

Verb: Tabemasu (to eat)

Informal Second Form: Tabero (Eat! – casual)

Here are some examples of the informal second form in use:

• Tabero! (Eat! – casual)
• Tabero yo! (Let’s eat! – casual)
• Sore, tabero! (Eat that! – casual)

Regional Variations

While the formal and informal second forms discussed above are widely used throughout Japan, it’s worth mentioning that there are some regional variations in how the second form is expressed. These variations mainly affect vocabulary and pronunciation.

For instance, in the Kansai region (including cities such as Osaka and Kyoto), the informal second form often ends with -e instead of -o. Therefore, using the same example of “tabemasu,” the informal second form would be “tabere” instead of “tabero.”

Additionally, certain dialects, such as the Tohoku dialect in the northern part of Japan, have their variations of the second form.

Tips for Using the Second Form

Here are some tips to keep in mind when utilizing the second form in Japanese:

1. Politeness: Be aware of the appropriate level of formality for the situation. The formal second form should be used when speaking to superiors, strangers, or in formal settings.
2. Tone: Pay attention to the context and tone when using the informal second form. It can come across as impolite or aggressive in certain situations.
3. Respect: When giving orders or making requests, it’s common to add respectful phrases such as “kudasai” (please) or “onegaishimasu” (if it’s not too much trouble).
4. Test the Waters: If you’re unsure about the appropriate level of politeness, it’s generally better to err on the side of caution and use the formal second form.
5. Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering verb conjugation, so make sure to incorporate the second form into your language learning routine.

Remember, learning a language takes time and effort, and making mistakes along the way is completely normal. Embrace the learning process and keep practicing!

In conclusion, understanding how to express the second form of Japanese verbs is crucial for effective communication. Whether using the formal or informal second form, be attentive to the appropriate level of politeness and consider regional variations if necessary. With practice and a positive attitude, you’ll gain confidence in using the second form in no time!